The New Orleans Pro Bono Project has named Tulane University Law School student Anders Holmgren, JD candidate, class of 2012, as the 2011 Pro Bono “Law Student of the Year.” Holmgren was honored at a reception in December for his “impressive pro bono contribution and inspiring commitment during the [fall 2011] semester.” The Pro Bono Project (PBP), a group that aims to provide free civil legal services to the poor in the New Orleans area, annually honors those in the legal community who throughout the year donate their time, talent, and services to support the program in fulfilling its mission.

In addition to volunteering twice a week at The Project last fall, Holmgren served on both the law review and moot court at Tulane, all along remaining near the top of his law class. For the PBP, finding a dedicated and intelligent student who is willing, ready, and eager to commit regular hours is a delight, they say.

“Anders has done such an excellent job with every assignment,” read news of the announcement from the PBP. “From legal research to client-letter writing, to drafting petitions, motions, and interrogatories, Anders can do it all.”

Also recognized at the December 14, 2011, Volunteer Appreciation Awards and Reception were “Externs Extraordinaires” Keren Kama and Brandon Wentworth, both members of Tulane law’s class of 2013. Assistant Dean for Public Interest Programs Julie Jackson said Kama and Wentworth set an excellent precedent as the law school’s first Summer Public Interest Externs at the newly established joint placement with The Project and the Civil District Court Self-Help Resource Center. Both students volunteered more than 300 hours each, assisting hundreds of clients over the course of their work.

According to the PBP, “Their concern for our clients, willingness to pitch in on all fronts, and professional attitudes, besides their excellent work, made our experience with externs one The Project wants to re-experience soon.”

As the first law school in the nation to require public service as a component of a law degree, Tulane Law School’s partnership with the PBP spans more than 20 years, dating back to 1988. The Project in 2010 named Tulane “Pro Bono Law School” of the year.

“We are enormously proud of our students, faculty, and staff,” said Meyer. “The impact of their service can be seen not only in New Orleans and across the Gulf Coast, but across the country and in other parts of the world.”